A/N: I like to imagine that their father is an earthbender and that Bolin is like a miniature version of him.
Rated: K
Day 4 - Move
The day Mako discovers he can firebend, Bolin is overcome with jealousy.
At just four years old, Bolin's bending abilities haven't yet emerged. Mako spends hours every day practicing igniting flames in the palms of his hands, and Bolin copies the movements unsuccessfully, glowering when no sparks spring from his palms.
The day Bolin discovers he can earthbend, he cries.
"B-but I wanted t-to be a fireb-bender like y-you!" he wails.
Mako extinguishes the flame in his hand and puts a comforting arm around his little brother's shoulders. "But earthbending is great!" he says, encouragingly. "And if you were a firebender, you and me couldn't be on the same pro-bendin' team."
Bolin hiccups, and Mako scrubs at his baby brother's round cheeks with the elbow of his sleeve. "Don't cry, Bo. Besides, daddy's an earthbender too. Don't you wanna be like daddy?"
Bolin blinks back tears and swipes a chubby finger under his nose.
When his father returns home from work, a slab-like hand lands on top of Bolin's head and ruffles his hair ruthlessly.
"I hear we've got another earthbender in the house!" his father says, hoisting him up into his arms and beaming down at him.
"M-me," Bolin murmurs regretfully, tucking his face against his father's neck. "B-but I'm not a firebender."
His father laughs softly, gently patting his back. "C'mon, son. I've got some moves I want to teach ya."